98se crash/reboot

Recently good good quick help here re: dvd decoder. That was actually a part of my bigger problem, which is this:

When I start my cpu, I get 5-10 seconds of normal operation, then one of three things happens:

1. It suddenly reboots
2. It freezes (cursor motionless, CTRL-ALT-DEL doesn't work)
3. I get either a VXD error, or a Windows Protection Error

Here's the weird part, though - if I start a game, ANY game as soon as I start up windows, then ALT-TAB and keep it minimized, it runs perfectly!

Help! I don't actually WANT to play games every time I boot up!

 

scmyers,
It would help if you would post the errors your getting.

Houston

 

The VXD errors appear to be different every time, a la:

"a vxd error in module ______ has occurred "

on blue screen

and occasionally, if I try to continue, I get another VXD error in a different "module "

The windows protection error simply says:

"windows protection error
you need to restart your computer "

on black screen

 

Hi, Do you have an updated virus checker to run ?
reagards

 

Doing so now...I'm gonna feel mighty stupid if that's the problem!

 

Well, thanks for the thought merlin...I DID have a virus (w32.pate.b), but I've removed it and I still have the same problem. But hey, at least I'm virus-free now...

 

I would recommend using System File Checker [Sfc.Exe] to check for corrupt files.

 

Tried that as well...no dice.

Perhaps this might help...my cpu is a hoary old duron 600mhz in an IBM aptiva (2274-38u), with a few upgrades: panasonic dvd-115 dvd drive, soundblaster x-gamer 5.1 sound card, 192mb RAM (upped from 64mb) and, most recently, ATI radeon 7500 video card.

In researching this problem, I've seen others with similar complaints directed to update their BIOS, but I fear that. I've also been told my installation of windows might be corrupted, but I fear that even more! All my software is in a storage locker 2000 miles away...I don't want to reformat if I can possibly help it!

 

OK...last four times I started up went as follows:

1. Sudden reboot

2. On startup, "atiptaxx performed an illegal operation and will be shut down ", followed by same error message for "mm_tray ". (ATI and MusicMatch Jukebox removed from Quick Launch bar, but operation seemed normal for a few minutes, then black screen :
"Windows Protection Error. You need to restart your computer. Press any key" pressing ANY key didn't work, but CTRL-ALT-DEL rebooted.

3. Perhaps a minute of normal operation, then frozen on blank black screen

4. Sudden reboot.

I'll do this as many times as my patience will allow to see if I get another VXD error, and if so, I'll post exact text.

 

Go into Msconfig and disable the mm_tray.exe, it may have some interference with your new DVD. It may not hurt to disable atiptaxx.exe.
Start\Run, type in Msconfig and press enter.
SpyBot Search & Destroy may be a good idea, if possible. Update it first.

 

Done, done, and done.

Removed atiptaxx and mm_tray, also d/led, updated and ran spybot...then restarted....and got a sudden reboot.

In a word...AAAAAAAGGHHH!!!

If there's a hardware problem, I would guess it is to do with the video card...everything else performed normally for at least a year after installation. The ATI card I just installed about a month before I started having this problem.

What would loading a game do that would keep the system stable? Could it be something to do with DirectX, maybe?

 

Hi there

I would suggest you stop all programs that you do not need from starting on bootup using the system configuration utility, only leave the ones that windows uses going.

If this works and you have no problems, then one by one allow each program to start up on bootup till the problem re-occurs, the last program you then have started is most likely the problem one and you can then concentrate on solving it from there.

Is it ok in safe mode?

Let me know how it goes.

tel33

 

ati and mm_tray were the only two startup progs other than windows...so whatever the problem is, it isn't there.

It does run fine in safe mode...I'm thinking more and more that it's got something to do with the video card.

 

Ati drivers always seem to be bad in my experience, I take it you have got the latest Radeon catalyst drivers?

http://www.ati.com/support/drivers/...od=productsME98driver&submit.x=12&submit.y=12

Your card should be able to support Dx9, have you tried getting rid of DX9 and then reinstalling Dx8.1? There are programs that can do that for you even though Microsoft say you cant do it, proves how wrong they can be.

You could try reloading DX9 after the drivers have been installed, I have found this to work with Ati drivers as I have had these types of problems with my Ati cards.

Try running the graphics card on a slower acceleration rate, say one notch lower and see if that helps. Keep lowering it till the problem stops.

I think you may have a bad driver.

Regards
tel33

 

Might be conflicting DOS / Windows drivers ?
Do you run config.sys and/or autoexec.bat at bootup ?
What does the vxd section of the registry load ?
regards

 

Come to think of it, it might be the power supply is failing, same symptoms occur when the power supply is going.

Best check this one out soon, if it goes you might lose the whole pc in a spike as it dies!

Regards
tel33